Chapter 5: Chapter 4: A name’s just a name

It's early morning when I wake up sneezing. I stretch my arms and legs as usual and patiently wait for my brain to reach optimum performance levels.

"Oh, that's right. I'm still in this army hospital or whatever they call this place," I said to no one in particular. After another sneeze I find the cause of my sneezing: my nose is still buried in my fluffy tail. "Pffftt," I pluck a few white hairs from my tongue. Yuck. Yup, that woke me up alright. 

I throw the blankets towards the foot of my bed and stand up, letting a loud yawn escape my mouth... "iiii."  
Okaaaay, that happened. I remember my yawns, this one is definitely different. Man, this can only mean one thing....I need coffee...and soon!

Do you perhaps know that feeling you get when you look in your mirror right after waking up, and realize that you really, really are having a bad hair day? It's flat where it's supposed to be fluffy, and fluffy where it's supposed to be flat. Yours isn't fluffy? Well, mine is! Now imagine that your reflection also shows an unfamiliar, younger person who's scratching their ears on top of their head while yawning ungracefully. Then imagine your tail hitting every piece of furniture at least twice before you realize it's attached to you....and you understand how I feel at the moment.   

I walk over to the window and glance outside. It's another cold morning and a few brave people are enjoying the early morning light by jogging, while clouds of warm air are leaving their mouths. Most are heading for a small park area that I can only barely see from up here. Some trees are still hanging on to their leaves, but most have already given up, embracing autumn and preparing for winter. It's pretty much cloudy, but at least it stopped raining. 

Of course the trusty old camera on the ceiling is following my every move. Thank god they didn't install one on the toilet.

Now what should I do? My thoughts are interrupted by a gentle knock on the door.

"Are you awake?" Katie asks.

Of course they know I'm awake, that's what the camera is for after all, but they are just trying to be polite.
"Yes I am, just come in Katie!"

"Good morning. Slept well I hope?" She closes the door behind her.."click." Still locked in my cage it seems.

"Good morning, yeah, I was totally beat yesterday. What's on today's schedule, Katie?" My teal is swaying for some odd reason, pulling Katies attention there for a second.

"Wow, you sure are in a better mood than yesterday!" Katie said. I guess I'm not the only one having a bad hair day today, but my lips are sealed. I need all the allies I can get.

"Ha ha, yeah I know. I just needed some time to process things and have a good night's sleep. It's still going to take a while before I can truly accept...all of this, but I think I can manage." I point towards my furry parts on top of my head and on my back.

"I'm relieved that you are feeling so much better. How about celebrating that by joining me for breakfast?"

"Oh god, yes. I desperately need some coffee!" I'm rubbing my hands in anticipation of drinking some of the warm wake-up juice.

"Ha ha, me too." Katie said while rolling her eyes.
Then she said "After breakfast we can move you to some more...normal...accommodations."

"Really? Absolutely!" I jumped once from joy.

"Wow..easy there," Katie said, blocking me from leaving the room.

"Ah sorry, I'm excited to leave this place! Can you blame me? Let's go already!"

"I can imagine that. But just a thought...maybe you want to get dressed first?" Katie said, barely surpressing a giggle.

Oh crap, I really still am in my pajamas. "Yeah, that might be better..." I said while scratching my head and only then was reminded again that my ears are in the way.

After a few more minutes, I was dressed for the day in my training suit and followed Katie to wherever they had breakfast around here.

We are walking through long, seemingly unending, wide corridors. It smells like disinfectant everywhere, I don't like the smell. The place actually looks like a regular hospital, there are large rooms everywhere. My room was probably one of the few which resembled a prison cell instead of a conventional hospital room.

I then see a man lying in bed, his leg elevated, covered by a white cast, probably to heal a broken leg. Poor guy. We exchange glances for a second, after which he looks thoroughly surprised my way. Then we have already passed his room. Most rooms have shades before the windows near the corridor, giving the people inside some privacy.

Finally we reach an area where three corridors meet. There are four elevators here. Two elevators next to each other, facing another two.  

Katie swipes a badge through a reader and we hear a "ping" sound. Only seconds pass when the elevator doors open. They are the typical hospital elevators, being wide and high with a mirror inside. And there she is: the unkempt mystery woman with two furry ears and a ditto tail. Yup, that's me in all my disheveled glory. 

Katie pushes the button for floor 11, it seems to be the top floor. While I'm still observing my own reflection, Katie quickly pulls at my tail.

"Ouch!" I said, while glaring at Katie. 

"Maybe watch where your tail is? It almost got caught between the doors." She pointed at the now closed doors.

"Oooohhhhhh. Thanks..sorry." I honestly felt embarrassed, she was only trying to help me. I really need to start paying attention to that thing.

"Ha ha ha. You are still half asleep, aren't you? Just follow me to the coffee and you'll be awake in no time."

She was having a good time at my expense, but what can I do? I really feel half asleep.

The elevator doors open at the top floor, and we step outside. I quickly janked at my tail, almost having the same thing happen twice. 

In my experience the restaurants are mostly on ground level, but now I understand why they like to eat here...the view. It's simply amazing. There's an amazing view of the same small park that I can now see well from this height. Just as I had noticed earlier, most trees are leafless by now, but there are still some left with yellow and reddish colored leaves. 

"Welcome to the mess hall. Just pick any place you like," Katie said, opening her arms wide.

So not a restaurant, but a mess hall. Got it. I chose a table right next to the window overlooking the park.

"Somehow I knew you were going to pick that spot. I would have picked the same one." 
She then motions for me to follow her after she puts her bag on the table to claim this spot for us. 

Oh god, this smell. I follow her to where all the divine fragrances are coming from. 
Katie picks two small sandwiches and a cup of pure heavenly coffee, no creamer, no sugar. I guess we're compatible coffee buddies, I like my coffee the same way.

I can't believe my eyes, or my nose, when I identify the best of the best. Oh god, who's the chef here? Breakfast has never smelled this good before! Except for the salads, those are "meh" at best. But then...my nose catches the scent of freshly baked bacon and egg in the form of a large pancake. I ask for one of those and pick two slices of white bread. I make sure to include no less than two cups of coffee and take it all with me to our spot at the window. 

We sit down at opposite sites so we can have a proper conversation. But before I can dig in, I notice people staring at my ears and tail. Oops, I maybe should have hidden the tail from prying eyes by tying it to my back? 

I lean forward to Katie and whisper in her ear "should they really see me here, you know...like this?" 

"Why not? This is actually also part of our tests, to see how people will react to you. This floor is reserved for people working for...No, let's just say that only people who have a certain security clearance can get in here. They won't talk about you and probably just think that you are cosplaying or something like that. Maybe even find it cute."

"You...you think I'm cute?" A modest blush appears on my cheeks.

She moves closer to my ears and whispers "well, look around. The guys can't keep their eyes off of you."

That put a smile on my face and a deeper blush on my cheeks.

Katie then frowns at the sight of the food on my plate, but she smiles immediately after. 

"What? Did I do something wrong?" 

"Nope. Just curious to see how much of that can fit into your tummy, that's all." Katie said while softly giggling for a second. 

I shake my head to clear my thoughts and then fully prepare for my royal feast. I carefully separate my bacon and egg pancake into two halves and make proper sandwiches out of it. 
Oh god, I think I'm salivating, it just smells absolutely amazing. But before I dig in, I take a sip from my coffee with my eyes closed, really taking in the smell.

"Oh my god, this is delicious! The best coffee ever!"

"Now...before you start devouring your feast and two gallons of coffee..." Katie deliberately pauses her sentence to tease me. 

"What? I love coffee?!" 

"Ha ha. At this point, nobody would ever doubt that you are human. Aliens probably don't appreciate that stuff like we do."

"Amen to that." I said, quickly taking another sip after blowing off some of the heat. It was still a bit hot to really enjoy.

"But what I wanted to say. Did you think of a new name? Or do you prefer Robert? That's fine with me too, you know?" Katie asked, while holding her hands up in surrender for a second, emphasizing that she truly didn't mind either option.

"Actually..."  I quickly take a bite out of my sandwich. "Mmmm.. oh....mm...gwd....I mw findim diffult."

"You what?" Katie smiles at my voracious appetite.

"I.."  I quickly swallow and drink more coffee to wash it all down. Oops, still too hot.
"I said I think it's difficult. But I really want a new name. Robert somehow doesn't feel...right anymore."

"I was hoping you would say that. May I....suggest something?" she rests her arms on the table, her hands crossed.

"Eh, sure. I honestly have no idea where to start." Quickly, another bite before it gets cold.

"What about...a kitsune name?" Katie asks.

"A...what now?"  I said, not realizing that my sandwich filling fell to the plate. My next bite was without much flavor.

Katie shakes her head and smiles at my clumsiness, then continues. "A kitsune is a mythical Japanese creature, said to be part human and part fox. It seemed appropriate."

"Ah yes, I remember now. I read an article about those beings a long time ago. It was one of my first subjects to read when I started my job. If I remember correctly....those beings could shapeshift and use foxfire. And most stories agree that they all looked really cute with those many fluffy tails."

"Oh ho! That sounds like you want a cute name, don't you?"

I felt embarrassed for saying out loud what I was only supposed to be thinking. I instinctively covered my face with my hands.

"Ah, I was only teasing. You are cute, so a cute name it shall be!"

I quickly sip some more coffee and continue munching on my next sandwich. Maybe kitsunes are hungry little critters who thrive on coffee for all I know? Not gonna complain. 

"How about....Sakura...no...too common. Mmm...let me check the internet on my phone. Mmm how about Kagami? I means mirror it says here." She was grinning, yup, definitely grinning.

"You are kidding me, aren't you? I don't want to be called mirror. Can't you find a more common name for me?"

"I'm just teasing you. Maybe something else. Ahhhh....none of these seem right. Wait, I have an idea." She then turns around and speaks in a loud voice. "Excuse me, yes you, could you please come here for a second?" 

A man in an Air Force uniform walks to our table. "Morning major Davies, what can I do for you?"

Major? She's a major? 

"Good morning lieutenant Bowen, sorry to bother you. We were having a little bet here. If you could name her, what would you call her?" Oh she's smiling like she's up to something.

He laughs for a second, then says "seriously? Well...she looks a bit like the Japanese cartoon show my kids watch. Actually, now that I think about it, she looks EXACTLY like those. Are you cosplaying?" The lieutenant asks after focusing on me.

"Yeah, something like that." I said, not blushing at all.

"Well, I must say, those ears look incredibly real. Did they just move? Anyway, they are absolutely crazy about her. They even have some dolls in her image. What did they call her...ah right....Ayaka the witty fox."

"Mmm, interesting. What do you say....Ayaka?" Katie says with a mischievous look in her eyes. 

"Eh...doesn't sound too bad. But being named after a cartoon character..." I quickly begin sipping my second cup of coffee. 

"Alright then, it's settled! Thank you for your input, lieutenant." Katie said, while he smiled and nodded, then returned to his table. 

"It says here that Ayaka means colorful flower in Japanese. Sounds exotic, I think you should take it." She keeps scrolling on her phone.

"Let me think about it. Maybe as a provisional name? You know, to see if it works?"

"Sure, but you really need a Japanese last name to match your colorful first name..." Katie said.

"No way.. that's where I draw the line! Listen to me:...not..gonna..happen." No way, I won't allow it!

The look in her eyes shows me that she's up to something. That grin is also a dead giveaway. But before I can ask what she's thinking about, she says "now finish your breakfast...Ayaka...for we will be leaving soon."

"Now stop it, Katie. Please don't call me that. I'm still considering alternatives, it takes time you know? Wait..what? Leaving? Where are we going? Oh no.....you are not going to sedate me again, are you?" Katie giggled, while looking at my ears which decided to somehow fall flat onto my head.

"Ha ha, no. We won't be sedating you for this. We are heading to where they sent that mirror of yours. Ewan will join us as well, his superiors want to see if your mirror story pans out. Otherwise this will be a giant waste of time, no offense." She cuts her sandwich into two parts and then sips from her coffee.

"Non taken. As long as you treat me like any other human being and don't keep me prisoner."

"We will find a way, don't worry about that."

After both of us had finished eating breakfast, Katie gave me a hoodie to wear outside. Don't ask me where she got it. Is her purse bigger on the inside than on the outside? Meh, I must have missed something while focusing on my breakfast. I put it on, then wanted to walk to the elevator.  

"Hey Foxy?" Katie asks in a teasing way. 

"Ahhh.. c'mon, what did I do to deserve this, Katie?"

"How about actually using the hood to cover those ears of yours?"

"Ah ha ha.."  She got me there. That's the whole point of that thing, to cover up my looks. Nobody noticed me, so no harm done. 

Then she points at my tail. Great, how am I supposed to...nevermind, she just picks it up and shoves it in my hoodie. So rude. So that's why the hoodie is XXL size. Well, you can still see a little bit of fur sticking out, but Katie seems to think it's okay.

I notice Katie carrying a small handbag, its strap resting on her shoulder. Doesn't that make it a shoulder bag? Anyway, I on the other hand don't have any other worldly possessions except for the clothes I'm wearing. That makes me think. What will happen to my home? Will the police be investigating my disappearance there? My family must be worried sick. My thoughts are interrupted by Katie who grabs my arms and forcefully pulls me back to reality.

We are now being escorted by a guard to a familiar looking black SUV.

Twenty uneventful minutes later we arrive at a helipad where a helicopter is waiting for us.   
But not just any helicopter..nooo.. In front of me is a pretty big blue-white colored helicopter. 

"Never seen a police helicopter before?" Katie asks.

"Well, I have. But I wasn't expecting a police helicopter, or rather any helicopter at all. I thought we would drive to our destination." And aren't they supposed to have a black and white color scheme?

"Well, we have our reasons for using a helicopter. And the police markings reduce the number of questions we get from the public," Katie says.  

Before I can ask why they don't just use a private helicopter, one of the crew helps us inside, then helps to fasten the seatbelts. Our guard sits right behind me...keeping an eye on me, most likely. 

Then all of us are given these big black headphones to protect us from the loud engine noise we will soon experience. There's only one problem...I don't have my ears in the usual spot anymore.
I covertly point to my ears, after which Katie whispers to me "just put them on over your hoodie. Then cover your ears by flattening them with your hands while we fly. If anyone asks, I will tell them that you are afraid to fly, so no worries. This should take only half an hour."

I nod, bend over and do as she asks. I fold my ears flat, while still camouflaged by the hoodie. Then I keep my hands on top of my head to apply pressure to my ears, so I won't hear anything. God, that hurts, we still need to lift off and it already hurts. 

Katie bends down to my eye level and asks something, but I can't hear anything, I still decide to grimace to indicate this hurts. She winks and gives me a thumbs up, then seems to be talking to the others.

After about a minute I can hear the engines start and the helicopter starts to vibrate, followed by a light moving sensation. I guess we are airborne already. It's almost the same as riding on a bus, there are no wild maneuvers at all.

After being forced to keep my ears this way for about half an hour, they really begin to hurt. Katie makes eye contact again and points to her watch and gives me the "five more minutes" symbol. I nod in understanding, then show a painful expression. But she can't do anything to help me at the moment, still she massages my back for a minute, helping me relax a bit. 

Then I feel a sensation like we hit a speed bump, it must mean we have landed. The engines slowly decrease in noise until things go all quiet again. 

Katie taps my back to give me the "all clear" sign and I release my hands from my head. God that hurts! 

"Are you alright?" Katie asks concerned, seeing expressions of pain all over my face.

"No, it hurts like hell. It's pins and needles all over the place."

"Well, that's usually a good sign, it probably just means that blood is flowing unrestricted again." 

You are reading story Paradox at novel35.com

 

 

We are helped outside of the helicopter and....it seems that we are now on top of a skyscraper! 

My god, this altitude....I'm soooo not going to look down! 

A huge satellite dish is placed in one corner of the rooftop, surrounded by three smaller strange looking rectangular ones.

Ah, and who is already here, waiting for us? Yes, a sunglasses wearing Ewan approaches Katie and me.

The wind is really noticeable at this altitude, forcing us to speak louder. But the fresh air feels good.
Are those storm clouds forming in the distance? I hope we can go inside soon, I'm not looking forward to a cold shower.

"Morning ladies, I trust you had a nice flight?" Ewan asks, while giving us a friendly smile. 

I returned a quick smile because he called me a lady, but then my ears hurt again, making me focus on them instead. "No Ewan, covering my ears really hurt. The ear protection headset wouldn't fit at all."

"I see, we hadn't thought about that. But are you alright now?" There was honest concern in his voice.

"Yeah, all is fine now. Where are we?" I asked, eager to change the subject.

"Please, follow me inside so we can talk." Ewan ordered.

The guard stays in the helicopter for some reason and another one is standing next to Ewan. Nice, another chaperone, just what I need. 

We walk down the metal stairs from the helipad and enter the building to take the elevator for a short ride.
Once Ewan guides us out of the elevator on one of the top floors, he says "welcome to ATF Headquarters." 

"ATF? Don't tell me the A stands for alien?" I spoke without thinking. At that exact moment, an employee walks by and glances at Ewan, but doesn't say a word. Not suspicious at all. No...not at all.  

Ewan avoids my question completely and simply continues, "we are in New York, close to Times Square."

"Seriously? Why would you want a facility here? I thought an airbase would be more appropriate?" I asked while realizing that I'm still wearing slippers, not shoes. 

I mean, them working at an airbase would explain all the Air Force uniforms I saw, right?

"For exactly that reason, Ayaka. Nobody would expect our little operation to take place here." Ewan says, now removing his sunglasses.

Great, he already calls me Ayaka. I open my eyes wide in surprise.
"Sorry Ewan, that's not my name. At least not yet. What exactly is it that you do around here?" I couldn't resist the urge to just ask him. Don't tell me they really are the men in black? Do they have real aliens around here somewhere? Nah, probably not.

"Ah, sorry about the name then." He glanced at Katie.

"I'm sorry, that would be my fault. I thought you liked the name, you know...maybe you just needed a little push to accept it," Katie said.

But before I can reply, Ewan continues, "Anyway,  I'm afraid our business here is classified information. Now stop the questions please and follow me." Ewan seems serious about the questions. Better not ask anything for now, I don't want to force the issue. And they really have been nice to me so far.

I can hear the helicopter depart from the top of the building while following Ewan and Katie to a conference room. The corridors are all carpeted, giving this place a normal office vibe. Plants are decorating each corner and people are working on their computers or using the phone. Really, it looks just like any other office. 

Moments later we enter the conference room, which too is nothing out of the ordinary.
A long, white table is surrounded by comfortable looking office chairs all around it. A TV screen is placed against one wall and some plants complete the office feeling. Three large windows give view to another skyscraper, but you can still see much of the surrounding area from this altitude. Looking down from the window, you can see the busy streets where people seem as small as ants.

There is only one painting in this room...no, it's a picture. It seems to be the President of the United States, but I've never seen the man before. In another corner of the room a large US flag is placed against the wall. It's not something you would expect to see in just every office, but still, these hopeful hints may indicate that these people operate within the confines of the law.

"Please sit down." Ewan says while someone enters the room, carrying what looks like coffee and tea dispensers on a tray. Did I already mention the cookies?

"Ah thank you Diane, that'll be all." Ewan says.

Diane leaves the room and closes the door on her way out.

"Thank you for coming here, eh Robert, Katie. Robert, we have business to discuss." 

I really should settle on a new name, my old name Robert now somehow just sucks.
"Of course Ewan. Do you mind if I get some coffee first? I'm low on fuel."

He couldn't suppress a smile and said "by all means. Katie you too, help yourself."

After everyone had a sip of their coffee or tea...and after I confiscated a cookie for further analysis, I asked "Ewan, what is it that you want to discuss?"

"Well, first of all. As we already said, we can't have you running around the streets of New York City with those ears and that tail of yours. You claim to be human like the rest of us, but we don't really have a way to confirm who or what you exactly are. Can you understand my position?" 

"Well..can I understand it? Yes I can understand it. But can you understand that I have been honest with you from the beginning?" I crossed my arms, I thought we had passed this level of distrust already.

"Of course. We have no real reason to distrust you at the moment, but carefulness is a trait which is embedded in this Agency's DNA. So for now we will offer you some basic accommodations in this tower, is that acceptable?" 

"It's better than a prison cell for sure. But it's not exactly the same as freedom." I look at Katie, but she doesn't come to my rescue.

"True, I can understand that. But depending on how useful you turn out to be for us, we might be able to improve your living conditions even further." 

"And...what if I turn out to be completely useless?" I grimaced, for this is a real possibility. What is it that these folks expect from me anyway? 

"Simple, that means that you will have to accept your accommodations here. Long term."

"So as a prisoner then. Do I at least get paid?" I smiled. Who knows, maybe I can score a bonus. It never hurts to try, right?

"Ha ha. No. May I continue now?

"Okay, sorry." I rolled my eyes. He's no fun at all.

"Look at the television screen behind you. That's a live image of the mirror we confiscated. Can you confirm if that's the one that zapped you?"

I turn around and focus on the TV screen. "Yes! That's the exact same one! You found it!"

"Okay, I take that as a definite yes. So far nothing has happened when our people touched it. Ehh..Robert?"

"Sorry, yes?" I was lost in thought for a moment, for that thing caused all my current misery.

"We need you to touch that mirror soon. Under safe conditions of course. Can you do that for us?"

"I have to touch that thing again? I would rather not, but then again I don't really have a choice, right?"

"No, you don't. So will you cooperate with the ATF for a while? I need a clear yes for us to continue."  

"Yes, Ewan, I will cooperate with you guys and touch that mirror if you want me to." God, do I have to spell it out?

"Good answer. Here's your ID."  He hands over an envelope and motions me to open it. 

I take the brown envelope and open it to find a letter inside. 

 

"This is to confirm your verbal agreement with the ATF. You will temporarily fully cooperate with the ATF and follow orders within generally accepted reasonable limits. As compensation, we will offer you long term accommodations as our guest. All guests need to be registered for security reasons. We have registered the following details: 
First name:  Ayaka (female)
Last name:  Tokugawa
Date of birth: December 3th, 1997
Place of birth: Osaka, Japan.
Agreement number 2566984.
Guest ID: 7483"

 

What? Oh no no no. It doesn't work like that, believe me.
"Ehh..I'm sorry, Ewan. This is not acceptable." I said while putting the letter back inside of the envelope, then shoving it back to Ewan. He seems surprised by my action.

"Which part?" Ewan frowns.

"Don't get me wrong, I will cooperate. But the name and backstory, no way.  I'm still coming to terms with me being a woman. Let alone having some extra furry parts. I need some time to reflect and then find a name that fits." I said while shaking my head in disappointment.

"Katie suggested the names. You didn't agree with the last name either?"

I look at Katie in disbelief. "Why do you force those names onto me?" I thought we were friends.

"Oh no, don't take it out on her, she was under my orders to provide the names." Ewan remarks.

"Is that true, Katie?" I said.

"Yes, eh...Robert? I'm sorry if you don't like it, but we had to choose a name. And I really thought that you could get used to them." She really looks apologetic.

"I see your point, but I'm not comfortable with the names. Just give me some time okay? Those names....they somehow don't feel right." I pointed at the envelope once more.

"Alright then. The ATF will give you one week to consider appropriate names. By that time we should also know how valuable you will be to our organization," Ewan stated while taking the envelope and shoving it to Katie. I guess that means that Katie needs to handle this.

"Agreed. I will choose a name by then. Sooo....you think I'm eighteen years old?"

"Yes, our doctors seem to think that you are about eighteen years old," Ewan replied. 

Then Katie, now seeing that I'm not really mad at her, says "you know, you wouldn't look bad in a kimono. I found some pictures of the cartoon the lieutenant referred to. Remember?" I nod, then she continues "You really do look like her, and she wears a kimono in all episodes. How about it? It would fit your...kitsune appearance. Besides, when the police found you, you were already dressed in something like a kimono."

"Me? In a kimono? Why can't you get me something more...normal?" I asked, feeling trapped as if I walked into a dead end.

"Because your tail can't stay bound to your back forever, it has to be bad for you." Katie pleaded.  

"Then give me a skirt or something." 

Oh no, Katie used her best puppy eyes tactic on me, and it worked. For now.

"Alright, I'll try. But seriously, if it doesn't suit me, then allow me to wear something else, okay?"

Katie nods vigorously while Ewan smiles at the lady talk. Did they discuss this part too? It doesn't matter, I will wear it just once and be done with it, they can't force me to wear that. Or can they?

"We are finished for now, how about you check your new accommodations and then, in about an hour, we can have a closer look at that mirror of doom of yours." Ewan said, grinning.

"Mirror of doom? Yeah, that has a nice ring to it. But sure, let's get it over with." I said, shaking my head, unable to suppress a smile.

"Can I join you? I know where your...home..is," Katie politely asks.

"Sure, by all means, lead the way."
For a second, I imagined going into another small room, being forced to wear a kimono. Then spending all my life locked away in that room. Truly, those prospects didn't improve my mood at all.

 

 

Katie and I leave the meeting room and use the stairs at the end of the corridor to go up one floor. That's rather convenient, or did they put me on this specific floor on purpose? The wide stairs seem to be made from gray steel, obviously designed to help people get enough grip in emergencies. The lighting is very bright as there are no windows here. The walls are plain white, only showing escape routes and indicating that my new home is on floor 85. Ah, now I see that there is also some kind of battery powered emergency stairwell light installed.

Katie holds the door for me, and we leave the stairwell behind us. 

"Morning miss Davies...and guest," a young man in a security uniform says. He's sitting at a small desk, complete with phone and a computer.

"Good morning Ben. This is...the new resident who will be in your care. You can introduce yourselves at a later moment, alright?"

"Sure, please proceed."  Ben gestures that we can enter the residential area.

I really need to pick a name, Katie is trying to help me, but I really feel guilty to burden her. 
We walk through the corridor to arrive in a very spacious living area. Maybe their idea of a shared relaxation room?

"Thank you Katie....for not introducing me. I guess."

"No problem, now take a good look around. This will be your home for a while at least."

"Where's my door?" My expression must be funny, because Katie laughed for a moment and shook her head.

"No, you dummy. Half of this floor is reserved for you. What do you think?" Katie smiles, her eyes are glistening in anticipation of my reply.

"Whaaa? All of this? This is your idea of basic accommodations? My god! My apartment easily fits three times here!"

"If you think that's all... We call this the VIP room. We need to keep you away from others, but you still have some eh..human rights? So it only seemed fair to at least temporarily allow you to stay here. Just don't be surprised if we need to use your meeting room occasionally."

"I have a meeting room?"

"Ha ha. Yep. Also sports equipment. Do you mind sharing that too? The shower and bath area are private and a bit more modest though."

"Sure, no problem. Wait, I even have a bath? Wow, that just leaves the swimming pool."

"Eh..sorry, no we don't have that here."

"Katie, I'm just kidding. This is amazing. Now...do I need a GPS to find the bedroom and bathroom?" 

"Follow me, missy." She has that mischievous smile again. Did she just see me blushing again? She definitely already knows how to push my buttons.

This floor has it all, fully furnished even a huge television. Is that a real bear rug on the floor? No, thank god it's only a fake one. It looks super cozy though, don't mind if I walk barefoot on that thing when nobody's watching.

A quick look around shows no visible security cameras, that's nice for a change. The view outside is also amazing. There's no skyscraper blocking my view from this angle. 

When Katie shows me the door to my bedroom, a king sized bed awaits. But there are also bunk beds against the walls. A strange combination for sure, but who am I to complain? Maybe for guests who need bodyguards?

What's the real reason they want me to stay here? W...what are they planning for me? What if they believe I'm useless to them? Will they kick me out? I surely hope not!